Qatar Airways has further expanded its operations in China with the launch of scheduled flights to Chengdu, the airline’s sixth destination to China.

Flight QR884 arrived at Chengdu Shuangliu International Airport to an impressive water salute, following its non-stop journey from the airline’s operational hub in Doha, capital of Qatar.

All passengers and operating crew of the maiden flight received a warm welcome from the airport officials.

The new thrice weekly flights now join Qatar Airways’ five other Chinese gateways - Beijing, Shanghai, Guangzhou, Hong Kong and Chongqing – for a total of 41 flights per week.

“Qatar Airways saw an immense potential to operate in Chengdu, which is set to play a critical role in the next wave of economic development in Western China,” said Qatar Airways chief executive officer, Akbar Al Baker.

“It’s hardly a surprise, therefore, that nearly half of the world’s Fortune 500 companies have opened offices in the city, and that Chengdu is aiming to become China’s fastest growing aviation hub.”

The new Chengdu flights represent the significance of China’s growing economy in the worldwide context.  Significant industries in Chengdu include: electronics and information; machinery, particularly automotive and aerospace parts; medicine; food and tobacco processing; metallurgy; and petroleum.